Emma Stone and Ramy Youssef, Poor Things, The Disappearance of Shere Hite & The Boys in the Boat
Jan 12, 2024
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This podcast discusses 'Poor Things' with Emma Stone and Ramy Youssef, a film about a Victorian woman's odyssey of self-discovery. They also review 'The Disappearance of Shere Hite', a documentary about a feminist educator, and 'The Boys in the Boat', a sports drama about rowing in the 1936 Olympics.
'Poor Things' explores themes of self-discovery and sexual liberation in Victorian London.
The podcast discusses the life of sex educator Shere Hite and the sports drama 'The Boys in the Boat.'
Emma Stone and Ramy Youssef's collaboration in 'Poor Things' showcases a unique dynamic between their characters.
Deep dives
Emma's Role as Bella Baxter and Involvement in the Project
Emma Stone plays Bella Baxter in the film, a woman who is building herself from scratch and evolving into a character of her own invention. Emma got involved in the project after Yorgos Lanthimos pitched the idea to her following their work on 'The Favourite.' She was drawn to the script's uniqueness and collaborative nature, deciding to join the project and later becoming a producer to support Yorgos' true vision.
Rami's Late Involvement and Impressions of the Script
Rami Yusuf joined the project later after having a conversation with Yorgos Lanthimos about his stand-up show. Impressed by the script's humor and comedic elements, Rami decided to commit to the film despite being in the middle of shooting his own show. The script, although expected to be unconventional like other Yorgos Lanthimos films, turned out to be comedic and engaging, prompting Rami's immediate interest.
The Dynamic Between Bella Baxter and Max McCandless
In 'Poor Things,' Bella Baxter, played by Emma Stone, and Max McCandless, played by Rami Yusuf, exhibit a mirror-like dynamic. Bella embodies curiosity, freedom from self-judgment, and emotional exploration, while Max, a scientist, seeks to understand her empowering agency. The film's exploration of control, desire, and emotional growth mirrors the characters' evolving relationship.
The Rehearsal Process and Working with Yorgos Lanthimos
The rehearsal process for 'Poor Things' involved a lot of theater games and character exploration, allowing Emma Stone and Rami Yusuf to bond and feel comfortable with each other. Yorgos Lanthimos created a safe and open environment for experimentation, leading to a free-spirited approach on set. The intimacy coordinator, Al McElm, was instrumental in choreographing and ensuring the safety of intense scenes like the 'Furious Jumping,' emphasizing collaboration and communication in the filming process.
The Making of a Film: The Tension Between Creative Control and Collaborative Work
The podcast delves into the contrasting experiences of running a TV show and acting in a film, highlighting the shift from total creative control to following a script. It discusses the admiration for Emma Stone's versatile role in balancing high-level production decisions with character portrayal, emphasizing the unique challenges and delights of surrendering creative authority in a collaborative film environment.
Creating a Surreal Cinematic World: A Unique Perspective Through Character's Eyes
The episode explores the adaptation of a celebrated novel into a twisted science fiction romantic comedy, focusing on the character's unique journey and worldview. It contrasts various storytelling approaches by centering solely on the protagonist's perspective, crafting an artificial, off-kilter world that mirrors the character's perception. The immersive production design and emotional score enhance the film's anarchic, darkly comedic, yet engaging narrative, ensuring a captivating cinematic experience.
OK, now we are really back! Mark and Simon are firmly back in their seats and ready to shepherd you through a new year in cinema.
This week, Simon sits down with Emma Stone and Ramy Youssef to discuss their roles in Yorgos Lanthimos’ wild new science fantasy black comedy ‘Poor Things’, which tells the story of a young woman in Victorian London, who, after being crudely resurrected by a scientist following her suicide, runs off with a debauched lawyer to embark on an odyssey of self-discovery and sexual liberation.
Mark also offers his thoughts on the film, as well as reviewing ‘The Disappearance of Shere Hite’, a documentary narrated by Dakota Johnson, which follows the life of American-born German sex educator and feminist Shere Hite; and the George Clooney-helmed ‘The Boys in the Boat’, a biographical sports drama about the University of Washington rowing team that represented the United States at the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin.
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